Chapter 19 Week 2
Packers vs. Saints - Week 2, 2006
Lambeau Field. The stadium is buzzing with energy as the Green Bay Packers take on the New Orleans Saints. The weather is clear, and the crowd is enthusiastic. Brett Favre is leading the Packers' offense, while the Saints aim to secure a win on the road.
First Quarter:
Packers' Offense:
Favre: (calling the play in the huddle) "Let's go with 'Slot Right 84 Bench.'"
Favre drops back and throws a 12-yard completion to Donald Driver.
Favre: (immediately snapping the ball again) "Quick snap! We're going with 'Trips Left 45 Slant.'"
Favre throws another short pass to Greg Jennings for a gain of 8 yards. The drive stalls at the Saints' 30-yard line, and Ryan Longwell makes a 47-yard field goal. Packers lead 3-0.
Saints' Offense:
Drew Brees: (calling signals at the line) "We're going with 'Trips Right 72 Sail.'"
Brees completes a pass to Joe Horn for a 15-yard gain.
Brees: (faking a handoff) "Let's hit 'Trips Left 62 Dig.'"
Brees finds Deuce McAllister for a 20-yard gain. The drive continues, and McAllister finishes it with a 1-yard touchdown run. Saints lead 7-3.
Second Quarter:
Packers' Offense:
Favre: (frustrated, calling out plays) "We're going with 'Twin Right 60 Cross.'"
Favre throws a deep pass intended for Driver. It's intercepted by Jason Craft.
McCarthy: (on the sideline, looking frustrated) "Brett, you've got to be more careful with those deep balls."
Saints' Offense:
Brees: (at the line, calm and collected) "We're going with 'I-Formation 34 Power.'"
Brees hands off to McAllister, who gains 18 yards.
Brees: (continuing the drive) "Let's try 'Trips Right 80 Four Verticals.'"
Brees connects with Horn for a 30-yard gain. The drive culminates in a 12-yard touchdown pass to Horn. Saints lead 14-3.
Packers' Offense:
Favre: (trying to rally the team) "Let's go with 'Trips Left 95 Out.'"
Favre throws a completion to Jennings for a 15-yard gain.
Favre: (calling another play quickly) "Next play—'Trips Right 46 Screen.'"
Favre completes a screen pass to Ahman Green, who gains 22 yards.
Favre: (moving up the field) "Let's hit 'Spread Right 56 Dig.'"
Favre finds Driver for a 20-yard gain. The drive stalls, and Longwell makes a 36-yard field goal. Saints lead 14-6.
Third Quarter:
Saints' Offense:
Brees: (setting up the play) "We're going with 'I-Formation 48 Sweep.'"
Brees hands off to McAllister, who gains 10 yards.
Brees: (continuing the drive) "Let's go with 'Singleback 73 Post.'"
Brees throws a 25-yard completion to Horn, setting up a 5-yard touchdown pass to McAllister. Saints lead 21-6.
Packers' Offense:
Favre: (looking determined) "Let's run 'Trips Left 84 Post.'"
Favre completes a pass to Driver for a 22-yard gain.
Favre: (quickly calling another play) "Next play—'Double Tight 55 Corner.'"
Favre finds Franks for a 15-yard gain.
Favre: (getting frustrated but staying focused) "We're going with 'Trips Right 96 Out.'"
Favre throws a 17-yard touchdown pass to Jennings. Saints lead 21-13.
Fourth Quarter:
Saints' Offense:
Brees: (calling plays with confidence) "Let's go with 'Trips Right 34 Screen.'"
Brees completes a screen pass to McAllister, who gains 14 yards.
Brees: (keeping the drive alive) "Next play—'I-Formation 70 Play Action.'"
Brees throws a 22-yard completion to Horn.
Brees: (continuing the drive) "Let's finish it with 'Trips Left 66 Dig.'"
Brees finds McAllister for a 15-yard gain. The drive stalls, and John Carney makes a 42-yard field goal. Saints lead 24-13.
Packers' Offense:
Favre: (desperately calling plays) "We need to go fast. Let's try 'Trips Right 67 Hail Mary.'"
Favre throws a deep pass to Driver, who makes a spectacular catch for a 40-yard touchdown. Saints lead 24-20.
Packers' Defense:
Packers: (on the field, trying to stop the Saints)
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Aaron Kampman apply pressure on Brees, causing him to throw an incomplete pass.
Saints' Offense:
Brees: (with the clock running) "We're running out the clock. Let's just focus on maintaining possession."
Packers' Defense:
Charles Woodson and Nick Barnett make key stops, but the Saints manage to keep the ball and run out the clock.
End Game: The Saints win 24-20.
We lost the game but as I sat on the bench I looked around the stadium and I began to hear something weird, there was a chant, "WE WANT RODGERS". It was slowly getting louder and louder and louder. I could feel my skin tingling itching to get a snap in a real time game.
Post-Game Analysis:
Packers' Sideline:
Favre: (looking exhausted and frustrated) "We threw the ball too much, and I didn't make the best decisions. We need to fix this."
McCarthy: (talking to the media) "We had some bright spots, but too many mistakes cost us the game. Brett's performance was inconsistent, and we'll need to reassess our game plan moving forward."
My home office. The room is dimly lit, and the large TV mounted on the wall is playing the game film of the Packers vs. Saints. I'm seated at my desk, surrounded by notebooks and a tablet. I'm focused, taking notes as the game unfolds.
Aaron Rodgers: (I pause the film as the Packers' offense takes the field) "Alright, let's break this down. We've got a lot to learn from this game."
On Screen: I see Brett dropping back to pass with pressure coming from the Saints' defensive line.
Aaron Rodgers: (I rewind the play and talk to myself) "The protection isn't great here, but Brett has options. He could have gone with a quicker, safer pass instead of trying for the deep shot."
On Screen: Brett throws an interception while aiming for a deep pass downfield.
Aaron Rodgers: (I shake my head) "In this situation, I'd have taken a shorter throw—something like a quick slant or an out route. It's about making high-percentage plays when the defense is pressuring."
On Screen: The Saints' offense is moving effectively against our defense.
Aaron Rodgers: (I pause the film) "Look at how they're using the screen passes and play-action. They're keeping our defense on their heels. I'd use a similar strategy to exploit the defensive line and create mismatches."
Aaron Rodgers: (I jot down some notes) "When we're on offense, we need to mix up our play-calling to keep the defense guessing. Use more play-action and screens to counter their pressure. And don't forget about quick, precise passes to control the game."
On Screen: Brett completes a pass to Donald Driver, but the drive stalls.
Aaron Rodgers: (I nod) "Good completion, but it didn't result in a big gain. I'd look to utilize the middle of the field more, especially with quick, intermediate routes. Get the ball out quickly and let the receivers make plays."
On Screen: Brett throws a touchdown pass to Greg Jennings.
Aaron Rodgers: (I smile slightly) "Nice play here. But we need to be more consistent with these drives. We had some success, but too many stalled drives and turnovers."
Aaron Rodgers: (I lean forward, concentrating) "In the final drive, I'd focus on managing the clock better. We need to balance urgency with smart play-calling. Use no-huddle to keep the defense off-balance and mix in some quick, high-percentage throws to keep the chains moving."
On Screen: The game winds down as the Saints successfully run out the clock.
Aaron Rodgers: (I sigh) "We had some good moments, but also a lot of missed opportunities. We need to be sharper, especially in critical situations. Better execution, more smart decisions, and a balanced approach will make a difference."
Aaron Rodgers: (I write down my thoughts) "1. Utilize short, high-percentage passes to counter pressure. 2. Incorporate more play-action and screens. 3. Manage the clock effectively. 4. Mix up offensive plays to keep defenses guessing."
Aaron Rodgers: (I turn off the film and stand up) "It's all about learning and improving. If we can make these adjustments, we'll turn these close games into wins."